Indiana CURE
Welcome
Indiana CURE is a nonprofit criminal justice reform organization dedicated to advancing fair, effective, and humane policies within Indiana’s legal system.
Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, Indiana CURE supports incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and their families while working to improve outcomes at both the policy and community level.
The organization engages in legislative analysis, public awareness efforts, and direct support initiatives that help individuals successfully reintegrate into society and contribute to safer, stronger communities.
Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, Indiana CURE supports incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and their families while working to improve outcomes at both the policy and community level.
The organization engages in legislative analysis, public awareness efforts, and direct support initiatives that help individuals successfully reintegrate into society and contribute to safer, stronger communities.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
INDIANA CURE is a completely volunteer organization. 100% of funds donated go to the work we do. But it does cost money to combat negative legislation, produce and mail our newsletter and to pay for this website and other advertising materials. Please consider making a 1-Time or monthly contribution.
Your donation is 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.
Your donation is 100% TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.
SUPPORT THE CAUSE
BY DONATING
BY DONATING
Your donations allow us to expand and grow our work.
INDIANA CURE
non-profit organization
non-profit organization
And the Donate button to contribute by credit card or PayPal.
You can also donate by sending checks to Indiana CURE; P.O. Box 40065; Indianapolis, IN 46240.
IN Thrive Film Festival
Inthrive Film Festival:
A Celebration of Transformation & Possibilities Comes to South Bend IN, April 9 through 11!
The groundbreaking touring film festival that celebrates the resilience and creativity of incarceration survivors returns to South Bend, Indiana.
Experience powerful stories, insightful panels with local folks impacted by incarceration, and connect with a community dedicated to change.
Dates:
Thursday April 9, 2026 (private reentry event)
Friday April 10, 2026 (6:00PM - 8:30PM) @ Dismas Hub
Saturday April 11, 2026 (9:00AM - 4:00PM)
@ St. Joe Public Library’s The Leighton Auditorium [email protected]
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA–For Immediate Release– Witness the transformative power of film as the Inthrive Film Festival, the nation's only touring film festival dedicated to showcasing the talents and stories of incarceration survivors, returns to South Bend, Indiana, from April 9 through 11, 2026.
On Friday night films will be screened at the Dismas Hub and on Saturday at the Leighton Auditorium in the St. Joe County Public Library in Downtown South Bend. This three day event is a unique opportunity to engage with compelling narratives, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and celebrate the human capacity for growth and change. Admission is free and open to the public.
Learn more at: InthriveFilmFestival.org/south-bend
Key Features of the Inthrive Film Festival:
"Society often overlooks the potential and contributions of those who have been incarcerated," says David Smith, an incarceration survivor who founded and is the Festival Director of the Inthrive Film Festival. "This festival challenges that misconception by showcasing the remarkable work and amplifying the voices of individuals who have not only survived but thrived.
We invite everyone to witness these powerful stories, engage with stories and people, and foster a greater sense of empathy and understanding for justice-impacted folks. Together, we can break down barriers and build a more inclusive society."
The Inthrive Film Festival is proud to collaborate with Reform, Indiana CURE, and the South Bend community to bring these vital films to Indiana.
The Inthrive Film Festival is made possible by the generous support of The Just Trust, Reform Alliance, Indiana CURE, Indiana Voices and individual donors. To contribute to this important cause, please visit: https://inthrivefilmfestival.org/support
For more information contact: David Smith | 804-481-5934 | [email protected]
or Michael at [email protected]
A Celebration of Transformation & Possibilities Comes to South Bend IN, April 9 through 11!
The groundbreaking touring film festival that celebrates the resilience and creativity of incarceration survivors returns to South Bend, Indiana.
Experience powerful stories, insightful panels with local folks impacted by incarceration, and connect with a community dedicated to change.
Dates:
Thursday April 9, 2026 (private reentry event)
Friday April 10, 2026 (6:00PM - 8:30PM) @ Dismas Hub
Saturday April 11, 2026 (9:00AM - 4:00PM)
@ St. Joe Public Library’s The Leighton Auditorium [email protected]
SOUTH BEND, INDIANA–For Immediate Release– Witness the transformative power of film as the Inthrive Film Festival, the nation's only touring film festival dedicated to showcasing the talents and stories of incarceration survivors, returns to South Bend, Indiana, from April 9 through 11, 2026.
On Friday night films will be screened at the Dismas Hub and on Saturday at the Leighton Auditorium in the St. Joe County Public Library in Downtown South Bend. This three day event is a unique opportunity to engage with compelling narratives, participate in thought-provoking discussions, and celebrate the human capacity for growth and change. Admission is free and open to the public.
Learn more at: InthriveFilmFestival.org/south-bend
Key Features of the Inthrive Film Festival:
- Films made by incarceration survivors
- Panels featuring local men & women who have survived incarceration
"Society often overlooks the potential and contributions of those who have been incarcerated," says David Smith, an incarceration survivor who founded and is the Festival Director of the Inthrive Film Festival. "This festival challenges that misconception by showcasing the remarkable work and amplifying the voices of individuals who have not only survived but thrived.
We invite everyone to witness these powerful stories, engage with stories and people, and foster a greater sense of empathy and understanding for justice-impacted folks. Together, we can break down barriers and build a more inclusive society."
The Inthrive Film Festival is proud to collaborate with Reform, Indiana CURE, and the South Bend community to bring these vital films to Indiana.
The Inthrive Film Festival is made possible by the generous support of The Just Trust, Reform Alliance, Indiana CURE, Indiana Voices and individual donors. To contribute to this important cause, please visit: https://inthrivefilmfestival.org/support
For more information contact: David Smith | 804-481-5934 | [email protected]
or Michael at [email protected]
Sponsor the Festival
The InThrive Film Festival is offered FREE to attendees. But it still costs money to put it on. Help us fund the festival by making a tax-deductible contribution.
Legislative News
The 2026 Session has finished but a number of bills are still awaiting the signature of Gov. Braun. The session was a short one so things moved fast with out much time for updates.
The bill which concerned us the most and which we testified against in both the House and Senate "Courts and Criminal Codes" Committees, did pass and is nearly certain to become law. We hope to challenge this new provision as soon as an appropriate plaintiff/s can be identified.
SB 119 titled "GROOMING" - PASSED
Grooming is an explosive term and brings with it much support for such a law. The problem is that the broad sweep of the law could take in much innocent and even natural and normal behavior.
Additionally the bill incorporates additional presence and employment restrictions centered around entertainment venues that provide children's entertainment. Again this is broad and sweeping and devastating to children and grandchildren of certain registered citizens. More information on the bill can be found here: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/119/details
You can review all of the proposed bills and those that passed here: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills. The bills in blue lettering are still active and either fully passed or awaiting the signature of Gov. Braun.
You are also encouraged to check out Attorney Cara Wieneke's Handbook on 2026 changes to the law. See link above.
Here are a few other bills which passed and may prove problematic to those we serve:
SENATE BILLS
SB 285 - Housing Matters - PASSED
The most troubling portion of the bill "prohibits an individual from camping, sleeping, or using for long term shelter land owned by the state or a political subdivision, unless the land has been authorized for that use." This includes sleeping on a public sidewalk. Where do homeless registrants go?
HOUSE BILLS
HB 1152 - Housing Association Matters - PASSED
States that a Housing Association cannot prohibit a resident of the association from opening a day care within the associations property. Since registrants are often prohibited from establishing a residence near a Day Case this eliminates more housing possibilities.
HB 1303 - Child Sexual Abuse Material Crimes - PASSED
Creates a new section of the law for CSAM and enhances penalties for possession and distribution.
PROVISONS WHICH DID NOT PASS BUT ARE LIKELY TO MAKE A NEW APPEARANCE
SB 290 - Sex with a Minor -DEAD
Creates a new felony offense of sex with a person 16 years old or young, by a person 24 years old or older.
HB 1045 - Restricted Access of Certain Offenders to Parks - DEAD
Would prohibit SVPs and OACs from entering a public park.
HB 1182 Digital Sexual Image - DEAD
Would criminalize sexual abuse images created by AI similarly to CSAM.
HB 1208 - OAC Residency Restriction - DEAD
This the second or third appearance of this bill seeking to restrict offenders against children from living within 500 ft of certain facilities owned or operated by an HOA.
HB 1250 - Notice of Release and Victim Notification - DEAD
Requires the DOC to notify local law enforcement and for local law enforcement to notify victims of the impending release of a serious violent felon
HB 1253 - Various Crimes and Child Protection - DEAD
Would make changes to the law for registrants petitioning for a change in registration status.
HB 1301 - Sentencing Modification - DEAD
Provides a path to compassionate release
HB 1313 - Penalties for Certain Sex Crimes - DEAD
Introduces a new crime called "aggravated child molesting" which for which a person can be sentenced to the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
HB 1367 - Involuntary Treatment - DEAD
While geared towards substance abuse I can see this evolving into any sort of mental health treatment.
The bill which concerned us the most and which we testified against in both the House and Senate "Courts and Criminal Codes" Committees, did pass and is nearly certain to become law. We hope to challenge this new provision as soon as an appropriate plaintiff/s can be identified.
SB 119 titled "GROOMING" - PASSED
Grooming is an explosive term and brings with it much support for such a law. The problem is that the broad sweep of the law could take in much innocent and even natural and normal behavior.
Additionally the bill incorporates additional presence and employment restrictions centered around entertainment venues that provide children's entertainment. Again this is broad and sweeping and devastating to children and grandchildren of certain registered citizens. More information on the bill can be found here: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/senate/119/details
You can review all of the proposed bills and those that passed here: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills. The bills in blue lettering are still active and either fully passed or awaiting the signature of Gov. Braun.
You are also encouraged to check out Attorney Cara Wieneke's Handbook on 2026 changes to the law. See link above.
Here are a few other bills which passed and may prove problematic to those we serve:
SENATE BILLS
SB 285 - Housing Matters - PASSED
The most troubling portion of the bill "prohibits an individual from camping, sleeping, or using for long term shelter land owned by the state or a political subdivision, unless the land has been authorized for that use." This includes sleeping on a public sidewalk. Where do homeless registrants go?
HOUSE BILLS
HB 1152 - Housing Association Matters - PASSED
States that a Housing Association cannot prohibit a resident of the association from opening a day care within the associations property. Since registrants are often prohibited from establishing a residence near a Day Case this eliminates more housing possibilities.
HB 1303 - Child Sexual Abuse Material Crimes - PASSED
Creates a new section of the law for CSAM and enhances penalties for possession and distribution.
PROVISONS WHICH DID NOT PASS BUT ARE LIKELY TO MAKE A NEW APPEARANCE
SB 290 - Sex with a Minor -DEAD
Creates a new felony offense of sex with a person 16 years old or young, by a person 24 years old or older.
HB 1045 - Restricted Access of Certain Offenders to Parks - DEAD
Would prohibit SVPs and OACs from entering a public park.
HB 1182 Digital Sexual Image - DEAD
Would criminalize sexual abuse images created by AI similarly to CSAM.
HB 1208 - OAC Residency Restriction - DEAD
This the second or third appearance of this bill seeking to restrict offenders against children from living within 500 ft of certain facilities owned or operated by an HOA.
HB 1250 - Notice of Release and Victim Notification - DEAD
Requires the DOC to notify local law enforcement and for local law enforcement to notify victims of the impending release of a serious violent felon
HB 1253 - Various Crimes and Child Protection - DEAD
Would make changes to the law for registrants petitioning for a change in registration status.
HB 1301 - Sentencing Modification - DEAD
Provides a path to compassionate release
HB 1313 - Penalties for Certain Sex Crimes - DEAD
Introduces a new crime called "aggravated child molesting" which for which a person can be sentenced to the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
HB 1367 - Involuntary Treatment - DEAD
While geared towards substance abuse I can see this evolving into any sort of mental health treatment.
Update on 2025 Indiana Legislative Session
The Legislative Session has now ended for 2025. Whew! You can review all of the proposed bills and those that passed here: here: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills. You can also view a PDF Booklet containing summaries of every bill that passed during the session here:
And here are a few of the bills we were tracking that passed and are particularly troubling:
And here are a few of the bills we were tracking that passed and are particularly troubling:
SENATE BILLS
SB 151 - Elimination of Statue of Limitation - PASSED
Allows the prosecution of certain sex crimes beyond current limits.
SB 326 Offenses Against Children (Language incorporated into HB 1014)
Renames "child pornography" to "child sex abuse material" throughout Indiana Code.
HOUSE BILLS
HB 1014 - Consecutive Term Limits for misdemeanors
Limits the total of the consecutive terms of imprisonment to which a defendant is sentenced for misdemeanor convictions arising out of an episode of criminal conduct.
THIS BILL HAS BECOME QUITE PROBLEMATIC
As of the present writing the language of several bills that did not make it through committee everything from renaming sexually explicit material to outlawing homelessness is now incorporated into the bill which is still hanging on at the moment through suspended rules, etc. The amended version is not currently available online.
HB 1662 - Criminalizes Homelessness NOW DEAD! Incorporated into HB 1014
This bill makes it illegal and attaches a criminal penalty to long-term camping on public property.
HB 1687 - Probation Transfers for Sex or Violent Offenders - Perhaps the most troubling
This bill is counterproductive to all principles of rehabilitation. It prohibits certain sex offense designees from transferring probation without the approval of sending and receiving courts, requires a transferring probationer to have a relative living in the receiving county or to have verified housing and employment and PROHIBITS TRANSFERS TO GROUP HOUSING. This includes treatment centers.
Additional provisions prohibit certain people convicted of a sex offense from working at any job that has direct contact with minors.
SB 151 - Elimination of Statue of Limitation - PASSED
Allows the prosecution of certain sex crimes beyond current limits.
SB 326 Offenses Against Children (Language incorporated into HB 1014)
Renames "child pornography" to "child sex abuse material" throughout Indiana Code.
HOUSE BILLS
HB 1014 - Consecutive Term Limits for misdemeanors
Limits the total of the consecutive terms of imprisonment to which a defendant is sentenced for misdemeanor convictions arising out of an episode of criminal conduct.
THIS BILL HAS BECOME QUITE PROBLEMATIC
As of the present writing the language of several bills that did not make it through committee everything from renaming sexually explicit material to outlawing homelessness is now incorporated into the bill which is still hanging on at the moment through suspended rules, etc. The amended version is not currently available online.
HB 1662 - Criminalizes Homelessness NOW DEAD! Incorporated into HB 1014
This bill makes it illegal and attaches a criminal penalty to long-term camping on public property.
HB 1687 - Probation Transfers for Sex or Violent Offenders - Perhaps the most troubling
This bill is counterproductive to all principles of rehabilitation. It prohibits certain sex offense designees from transferring probation without the approval of sending and receiving courts, requires a transferring probationer to have a relative living in the receiving county or to have verified housing and employment and PROHIBITS TRANSFERS TO GROUP HOUSING. This includes treatment centers.
Additional provisions prohibit certain people convicted of a sex offense from working at any job that has direct contact with minors.
Compassionate Release
During the 2023, 2024, and 2026 legislative sessions, Indiana CURE worked with Indiana Voices and REFORM Alliance of Indiana to pass a Compassionate release bill that would allow a pathway for early release of terminally ill and gravely infirmed inmates so that they could live out the remainder of their lives in dignity.
Another such bill emerged this year but also failed to receive a hearing by the committee to which it was assigned. Unfortunately for those three consecutive years lawmakers refused to seriously consider this type of measure.
We will continue to continue to support measures facilitating Compassionate Release here in Indiana.
Another such bill emerged this year but also failed to receive a hearing by the committee to which it was assigned. Unfortunately for those three consecutive years lawmakers refused to seriously consider this type of measure.
We will continue to continue to support measures facilitating Compassionate Release here in Indiana.
Resources
After nearly two years and 100's of hours of work we are pleased to announce that our
Guide to navigating the Indiana Department of Correction
Guide to navigating the Indiana Department of Correction
We are currently in the process of updating the booklet, adding new resources and the changes as a result of the
new email system for IDOC. In the meantime the current version will remain available here.
new email system for IDOC. In the meantime the current version will remain available here.
Download Guide PDF Here.
Help Support the Cause
By Shopping
Join our monthly Meetings
We meet online via Zoom the 3rd Saturday of Every month. Our meetings are open to the public and are working meeting where projects and progress are discussed. Meetings begin at 10AM. Follow the link below to join us.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83292858775
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83292858775
CLICK on the picture above to go to our Kroger Rewards site.
Help Support IndianaCURE
You can help support our work by simply shopping.
Follow the link above to designate Indiana CURE as your favorite charity, then use your Kroger Plus Card.
By doing so a small portion of your purchase amount is donated to Indiana CURE which helps us accomplish our mission.
Thank You!
Follow the link above to designate Indiana CURE as your favorite charity, then use your Kroger Plus Card.
By doing so a small portion of your purchase amount is donated to Indiana CURE which helps us accomplish our mission.
Thank You!
Contact Us
Indiana CURE, P. O. Box 40065, Indy 46240.
Phone number: 317.662.0250
By Email: [email protected]
Indiana CURE, P. O. Box 40065, Indy 46240.
Phone number: 317.662.0250
By Email: [email protected]
